The Best Play Yard 2024
Best Play Yard (Overall) 2024
Last Updated: . The Best Baby Play Yard 2024. After researching and reviewing dozens of different play yards by over 10 different manufacturers, our pick for best overall is the Graco Pack N Play On the Go.
Scroll down for our picks for Best Play Yard for Outdoors,Best Play Yard for Multiples, and Best Travel Play Yard.
New to play yard shopping? Read our 7 Things No One Tells You About Buying a Play Yard for advice and tips.
It’s simple—bassinet, toy bar and wheels—but gets the job done. And the price? .
Graco is the market leader in this category—and given the value and features they offer, that’s no surprise. The company offers a dozen models of playpens and each is well designed. Of course, if you want all the toys and gizmos, Graco has models with those features too—but you’ll pay $100 to $200 for those versions. One caveat: skip the Graco models with “newborn nappers.” As we explain in our 7 Things below, we don’t recommend these for safety reasons.
The Best Play Yard
Best Play Yard for Outdoors
Summer Infant Pop n Play Portable Play Yard
Planning a beach outing? Soccer game? Summer Infant Pop N’ Play Portable Play Yard is the best solution when you need a safe space outdoors that sets up in seconds. Weighing just 12 lbs., it has a water-resistant floor to keep kiddos dry in wet grass. Readers love the easy set up and overall design—it is about four feet wide and stands 26” tall. A separate canopy that covers the entire playpen is handy at the beach or lake if you’re in full sun.
Best Play Yard for Multiples
Joovy Room2 Portable Play Yard
Joovy’s Room2 Portable Play Yard has ten square feet of area—twice the size of most standard playpens, giving multiples or toddlers more room to play. Yes, it lacks the gizmos and toys you see on competitors’ models. However, it does what it does well: provide a large, safe area for babies to hang out. Readers love the easy set-up and heavy weight canvas fabric. New: Joovy now makes waterproof sheets for the Room2.
Best Travel Play Yard
Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light
Road trip! For an easy-to-use travel crib, we like the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light. Comes in three colors, black, silver and the pictured pink. Yes, it is pricey but it works well.
Why Trust Us
We evaluated play yards with hands on inspections: unfolding, settingup, breaking down. We also gather significant reader feedback, tracking play yards on quality and durability. Besides interviewing parents, we also talk with industry experts and safety advocates.
We’ve been rating and reviewing play yards since 1994. During that time, we have also visited manufacturer facilities. We compare our reader feedback with safety recalls from the CPSC and information from Consumer Reports.
How we picked a winner
We evaluate play yards with in-depth inspections, checking models for overall quality and ease of use—for example, checking for ease in set-up and take-down We also gather significant reader feedback (our book, Baby Bargains has over 1 million copies in print), tracking play yards on quality and durability.
Besides interviewing parents, we also regularly talk with baby gear retailers to see which play yard brands are most trustworthy and other key quality metrics. The reliability of play yard companies is another key factor—we meet with key company executives at least once a year to discuss what’s new and ask questions about any quality issues. Since we’ve been doing this since 1994, we have developed detailed profiles of major play yard brands that help guide our recommendations. See below for links.
7 Things No One Tells You About Buying A Play Yard!
1. Don’t buy a second-hand play yard or use a hand-me-down.
Many models have been the subject of recalls in recent years. Why? Those same features that make them convenient (the collapsibility to make them “portable”) worked too well in the past—some play yards collapsed with babies inside.
Others had protruding rivets that caught some babies who wore pacifiers on a string (a BIG no-no, never have your baby wear a pacifier on a string). A slew of injuries and deaths have prompted the recall of ten million playpens over the years. Yes, you can search government recall lists (cpsc.gov) to see if that hand-me-down is recalled, but we’d skip the hassle and just buy new.
2. Go for the bassinet feature.
Some play yards feature bassinet inserts, which can be used for babies under three months of age (always check the weight guidelines). This is a handy feature that we recommend.
3. Skip the “newborn napper.”
Graco has added a newborn napper feature to some of its playpens. This is a separate sleep area designed to “cuddle your baby.” You are supposed to use this napper before you use the bassinet feature. Our concern: the napper includes plush fabrics and a head pillow—we consider this an unsafe sleep environment.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the America Academy of Pediatrics guidelines tout that your baby should always be put down to sleep on his back on a flat surface with no soft bedding—the newborn napper is an inclined surface with the aforementioned pillow and plush fabrics on the side. Graco also makes a model (the Chadwick) that has non-removeable bumpers (see picture) on the bassinet. We do not recommend this model play yard for the same reason we don’t recommend you use bumpers in a crib.
4. Check the weight limits.
Play yards have two weight limits: one for the bassinet and one for the entire play yard (without the bassinet). Graco and most other versions have an overall weight limit of 30 lbs. and height limit of 35″.
The exception is the Arms Reach Co-Sleeper which tops out at 50 lbs. However, there is more variation in the weight limits for the bassinet attachments. Here are the weight limits for the bassinet attachments on various play yards:
Arms Reach Co-Sleeper 30 lbs.
Graco Pack N Play 15 lbs.
Chicco Lullaby 15 lbs.
Compass Aluminum 18 lbs.
Combi Play Yard 15 lbs.
5. Useful Features: storage and more storage.
You can’t have enough storage as a parent, so play yards with side-rail storage, compartments for diapers and the like are most welcome. We also like wheels for mobility and a canopy (if you plan to take the play yard outside or to the beach). If you want a one with canopy, look for those models that have “aluminized fabric” canopies—they reflect the sun’s heat and UV rays to keep baby cooler. The JOOVY Room Playard and Nursery Center offers excellent storage compared to bare bones models.
6. Features that aren’t worth it: gizmos and toys.
The Chicco Lullaby Dream Play Yard includes an electronic mobile and nightlight among other features. Babies really don’t need all this and it will save you bucks if you avoid all these extras.
Manufacturers like to load up their products with gadgets, lullabies, toys, flashing lights and other bling. You don’t need them.
7. Even though all play yards pitch themselves as portable most aren’t that easy to travel with.
Yes, most play yards claim they are portable—but given the effort it takes to dissemble all the accessories, it more likely that most standard playpens will stay put. A better bet for portability: go for versions that are specifically designed for travel. See our Best Travel Play Yard above.
Reviews of play yard brands
The Best Play Yard
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Hi there,
Thanks for all this information. What about using the Graco Pack n Play On the Go as a daily bassinet? Is the mattress on it sufficient or do we need to add an extra one?
Yes, you can use the Graco play yard as a daily bassinet. No, never add an extra mattress—only use the one that came with the play yard! Hope that helps!
Hello! Thank you answering my question about the Uppababy Bassinet. I decided I am not comfortable with it for overnight sleeping and have changed our plans. We will be receiving this pack and play, and wanted to ask about the bassinet. From Graco’s webise: . With our Pack ‘n Play® Playard you have a removable full size bassinet that provides the perfect spot for baby to catch a nap”. This makes me concerned about overnight sleep. (I headed your advice about not getting a pack and play with a “napper” feature. Also why I didn’t register for a Rock N play). So I am considering registering for/ ordering a Halo, though my husband thinks it’s a little bit insane to have 3 different bassinets floating around. I don’t necessarily disagree, but what can I say? First time mom paranoia! . Thank so much for your books and websites and taking the time to read this question.
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to answer my question about the Uppababy bassinet. I had been on and off having worried feelings about it and have now decided I am def not comfortable with it for overnight sleep. We are receiving this Pack and Play, but from Graco’s website “With our Pack ‘n Play® Playard you have a removable full size bassinet that provides the perfect spot for baby to catch a nap” this makes me concerned about overnight sleep. I had wanted a HALO originally, but thought it was a little crazy to have 3 different bassinets (this is my husband’s opinion), but am seriously considering re-registering for the HALO or buying one. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to this paranoid first time mom’s questions
Which is the best option for a daily at home bassinet? Graco Travel Lite Crib with Stages, Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard, Or Arm’s Reach Co-sleeper? Can any of these options be used as a daily at home crib after the baby has outgrown the bassinet? Is there another product you would recommend over these? Thank you.
HI Michele! Thanks for stopping by. Of those three, we like the Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard best. The first one you mention Graco Travel Lite Crib with Stages is smaller and more expensive than the On the Go. Hence, your baby will get more use from the On the Go in our opinion. We don’t recommend the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper because we don’t like co-sleepers that attach to an adult bed or have a lower side on one side. While Arm’s Reach says this is to help with getting baby in or out of the bassinet, we consider it a possible safety hazard—a baby could fall out of the bassinet if the Arm’s Reach was not correctly positioned next to an adult bed, etc.
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to answer my question about the Uppababy bassinet. I had been on and off having worried feelings about it and have now decided I am def not comfortable with it for overnight sleep. We are receiving this Pack and Play, but from Graco’s website “With our Pack ‘n Play® Playard you have a removable full size bassinet that provides the perfect spot for baby to catch a nap” this makes me concerned about overnight sleep. I had wanted a HALO originally, but thought it was a little crazy to have 3 different bassinets (this is my husband’s opinion), but am seriously considering re-registering for the HALO or buying one. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to this paranoid first time mom’s questions
Hi Lysa! No problem. That’s why we are here! We believe Pack N Play’s bassinet (and the playpen without the bassinet) is safe for overnight, un-supervised sleep. The mesh sides make appropriate as a sleep space—in fact, most non-profits that provide Pack N Plays to low-income parents who can’t afford a crib. And those non-profits follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on safe sleep space. One caveat: the bassinet only can be used up to 15 lbs. Thereafter, you have to use the playpen as the sleep space. That again is safe but less convenient, since you have to bend down into the playpen to pick up baby. The HALO Bassinest is more convenient to use, but of course costs more! Hope that helps!
What are your thoughts on utilizing a fitted sheet made specifically for a Pack N Play “mattress”?
I’ve seen conflicting information on whether or not the fitted sheet is safe to use.
Yes, that is safe as long as it is made specifically for a Pack N Play mattress. Where do you see info that says it isn’t safe? Just curious!
I’m not sure where I saw it. I’m an expecting mom and at this point, I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s conflicting information everywhere!!
Have you seen the research done by an Australian company called “Choice Australia”? They have rated the Baby Bjorn travel crib as a suffocation risk. The study was completed in 2018.
HI Elizabeth: Thanks for sharing that, We will look into these allegations. For those who want to see the review, here is a link: https://www.choice.com.au/products/babies-and-kids/baby-transport/portable-cots/baby-bjrn-travel-cot-light
What are your thoughts on mattress pads for a Pack n’ Play? I am getting the Graco Pack n’ Play, and I plan to use the bassinet for my newborn to sleep in overnight. It would be nice to have a mattress pad to keep the mattress clean, but I want to make sure it is not a safety risk. Would something like this be suitable? https://amzn.to/2OnyN9Y
No, that isn’t safe. You can only use the mattress pad and sheet in the Pack N Play. Any additional padding or bedding isn’t recommended for safety reasons! Hope that helps!
I’m replacing my Graco Newborn Napper for my next baby, however i’m finding it difficult identify a safe sleep replacement play yard that also has a changing station. I really enjoyed the functionality of having the elevated bassinet/napper and changing station at my bedside so that I could do nighttime feeding and changing from a seated position in my bed. I’ve looked at Graco’s new Travel Dome as well as the Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2. Any thoughts on these or other play yards that offers both a flat, mesh walled infant bassinet and changing station attachments?
Hi Lexie: Hello! Yes, the Graco Travel Dome is a good alternative. The least expensive option is the Graco On the Go. It just has the bassinet feature (which you can use to change a diaper). The disadvantage is you have to remove the bassinet area once baby is 15 lbs.—-so there goes the changing area! As for Baby Trend, we don’t recommend any of their play yards. Hope that helps!
Hi, Can I use the below product as bassinet for overnight, un-supervised sleep of baby upto 0-3 months age?
After 3 months, I plan to remove the mattress like insert in the middle and have the baby sleep all the way at bottom of Graco pack & play with a mattress.
Please let me know. Thanks in advance.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DLXE170?tag=babybarg-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_US¤cy=USD
Yes! That is fine.
Hello, I am looking for a pack ‘n play that is small and space efficient as I am part of a nanny share and space is limited. Originally, I was thinking of getting a Graco one and debating between the Pack ‘n Play® Portable Playard or the Travel Lite Crib. I did find another option that is even more space efficient, and that is the Century Travel On™ 2-in-1 Compact Playard with Bassinet. Do you have any information on this baby brand and/or pack ‘n play? Which would you reccomend?
Thanks!
Hi Miriam: Thanks for using our site to help plan for your baby! We do appreciate it. Good news: Century Travel is owned by Graco, so basically it is the same quality. Century is actually an old brand from the 80’s and 90’s that Graco is relaunching as a more eco-conscious version of Graco. From what I can see, however, the prices are higher—I think the this model (https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Pack-Play-Playard-Pasadena/dp/B0856XLJQX/?tag=babybarg-20) Is a better value than the similar Century one.